YWCA White Plains Receives KeyBank Foundation Grant

White Plains, NY – The KeyBank Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester to launch the Sister’s Village Economic Development Program (Sister’s Village). Sister’s Village is a workshop series designed to promote workforce development tailored to disadvantaged women, and will be the first of its kind in Westchester County, thanks to KeyBank’s support.

Developed as an extension of YWCA’s successful residence program, Sister’s Village will combine a comprehensive 6-week job readiness program with basic support services (food pantry, clothing bank), case management (healthcare, child care), and mentoring to underserved women in alignment with the YWCA mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.

“We know from decades of operating our supportive housing residence that lack of job readiness skills hinder women from employment opportunities that can break the cycle of poverty,” said Maria Imperial, CEO of YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester. “Thanks to KeyBank’s funding, we will be able to teach critical workforce skills to our program participants.”

Currently, there are no workforce development programs in Westchester County that also include the YWCA’s full complement of support services. The YWCA envisions Sister’s Village as a “one-stop, go-to” place for low-income women’s economic empowerment.

“Helping women live independently by developing the skills and confidence to secure employment and housing, strengthens our community”, says Virginia Kuper, Senior Vice President, Private Banking Market Leader for KeyBank. “KeyBank is proud to support the work of the YWCA and help provide women with job-readiness resources to enable them to reach their full potential”. Kuper is also a member of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester’s Board of Directors.

The YWCA is extremely proud to offer these vital services that clearly make a difference in the lives of women. The program will be open to YWCA residents and women in Westchester County who are ready to begin seeking employment.

About YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester

Since 1929, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been a pioneer for social change through innovative programs that improve the lives of women and families.

Each week the YWCA serves over 4,000 women, children and their families through our Women's Residence, racial justice initiatives, girls leadership, child care, early education, after-school, summer camp, health and wellness, and other social change programs.

About KeyBank Foundation

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

For more information

For more information about how to give your time, talent, tenacity and financial support to support the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester please contact Marianne Gordineer, Director of Fundraising and Communications at (914) 949-6227 x147/ mgordineer@ywcawpcw.org or visit www.ywcawpcw.org.

To learn more about the KeyBank Foundation, visit www.key.com.